During his opening statement, Mr. Barr said, “I regret that I come before this committee at a time when much of the government is shut down.”

Barr detailed his distinguished multi-decade career working in the DC swamp then shifted gears to Robert Mueller, his best friend.

“I believe it is vitally important that the special counsel be allowed to complete his investigation,” Barr said, adding, “When Mueller was named special counsel, I said his selection was good news and that knowing him, I had confidence he would handle the matter properly and still have that confidence today.”